Despite all the travails and obstacles of this winter, live theater is continuing its comeback in Anchorage with several productions marching (or stomping) forward this week. Different venues have different requirements for attendees, so be sure to check in advance about COVID-19 protocols.
If visual arts are more your speed, there’s an array of First Friday gallery openings to check out. For those seeking more outdoorsy pursuits, the annual Alaska Ski for Women is returning to Kincaid Park.
Alaska Ski for Women — This annual women-only cross-country ski event supporting the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage and nonprofits working to help stop domestic violence returns to a more traditional format after going fully virtual last year. Timed races on a 4-kilometer loop at Kincaid Park begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by a costume contest and costume parade, and an untimed “party wave” starts at noon. Racers, officials and volunteers must wear masks and social distance when inside for bib pickup and registration. 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 6 at Kincaid Park. (See anchoragenordicski.com/events/alaska-ski-for-women for more information about registration, a virtual silent auction and other event details)
STOMP — This percussion troupe uses everything from garbage cans and hubcaps to matchboxes to fill the stage with magnificent beats. Organizers promise, “It’s safe to say you’ll never look at shopping carts or plumbing fixtures the same way.” Tickets are $48.50 and up at centertix.com. Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 3-6, at the Atwood Concert Hall. (Various times; check anchorageconcerts.org for details.)
The Moth Mainstage — This live storytelling event based on the popular radio program features personal stories, told live and without notes, by five people from different walks of life. Tickets start at $32.75 at centertix.com. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, in the Atwood Concert Hall. (anchorageconcerts.org)
‘The Fallen Angels’ — Director Teresa K. Pond and Cyrano’s Theatre Company bring a farcical comedy from playwright Noël Coward that dates back to the 1920s. The plot involves two friends who discover their mutual ex-lover has come back to town. Tickets $27-$30; see centertix.net for showtimes or to purchase. Opens Friday, Feb. 4 and runs through Feb. 27. (3800 DeBarr Road; 907-274-2599)
‘Stargirl by Y York’ — High school junior Leo Borlock’s safe existence implodes with the arrival of the weirdly fabulous Stargirl, whose impetuous enthusiasm forces him to choose between his own secure conformity and the glories offered by the girl from the stars. MaryAlice Larmi directs this Anchorage Community Theatre production. 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, now through Feb. 20. Tickets $13-$20 at actalaska.org.
First Friday
After Hours: First Friday at the Anchorage Museum — Enjoy free admission and extended hours every First Friday from 6-9 p.m. (625 C St.; anchoragemuseum.org)
International Gallery of Contemporary Art — Klara Maisch visited landscapes throughout Alaska to create large oil paintings on-site. The exhibition “GroundTRUTH” includes repeat paintings of the Gulkana Glacier, work created in the boreal forest at 30 below zero, and pieces started inside frozen tunnels of glacial ice. On view through Feb. 25. First Friday opening reception is 5-8 p.m. (427 D St.; igcaalaska.org)
AK Cycle Chic — Featuring artist Amber Stull, an elite triathlete and dragonfly lover who enjoys the challenge of re-creating a photo into a custom original art piece. Live music will be provided by The Jake Legs fiddle, guitar and banjo trio. 5 p.m. Friday. (908 W. Northern Lights Blvd.; 907-764-4227)
Stephan Fine Arts Gallery — View aurora photography from Amy Johnson and encaustic works from Becky Stephan, Cheryl Lyon, Tami Phelps, Kay Haneline, Ruth Carter and Sheary Clough Suiter. There will also be a book signing with Phelps and live music from Witty Youngman & Pepperkit. 6-8 p.m. Friday. (Gallery inside Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W. Fifth Ave.)
Georgia Blue Gallery — For the ninth year, the gallery be the venue to see works donated by artists and others affected by gynecologic cancers as part of the “Let Every Woman Know” Arts of Healing program. This is a fundraiser to support and education to women, as well as for their families and friends. 5-7 p.m. Friday. (georgiabluegallery.com; 3555 Arctic Blvd.)
Dos Manos Gallery — “Tide Lines” is a cut paper art show by Valisa Higman showing through March 31. Meet the artist from 5-8 p.m. Friday. (1317 W. Northern Lights Blvd.; see Dos Manos’ Facebook page for details)
Double Shovel Cider Co. — There will be handmade block prints from Adrift Prints, and Charcuterie By Shay will be there with charcuterie boards perfect for groups of two to four people. 4 p.m. Friday. (502 W. 58th Ave. Unit C; see Facebook for details)
Sip — Featuring athlete and artist Kelli Spencer. 6-8 p.m. Friday. (510 W. Tudor Road; see Facebook for details)
First Firkin Friday at Midnight Sun Brewing Co. — Check out The Loft for art from Amy Cotting and a tapping of a firkin of 2017 Sloth conditioned on fresh raspberries. Cotting is a painter who uses bold colors and contrasts to portray Alaskan scenes such as snowboarding, frozen waterfalls and Turnagain Arm sunsets. 5-8 p.m. Friday. (8111 Dimond Hook Drive)
— Victoria Barber, vbarber@adn.com